'It's like the Super Bowl for Iowa': Fans stock up for Cy-Hawk rivalry week
Labor Day shoppers weren’t just looking for sales Monday. Many in Ames had their sights set on cardinal and gold.
At Rally House near Iowa State University, fans filled the aisles, grabbing Cyclone gear to get ready for Saturday's Cy-Hawk showdown.
“I got an Iowa State football shirt, but I also got a Beat Iowa shirt that I will be wearing this weekend,” said freshman Camryn Lechowicz, who wanted to make sure she was prepared for her first rivalry game as a student.
Her wallet may be a little lighter, but her school spirit is strong.
“My wallet wasn’t ready for it, but I was,” Lechowicz said.
For some students, this weekend will be their very first taste of the Cy-Hawk rivalry.
“I heard it’s like the Super Bowl for Iowa, so I’m really excited,” Iowa State freshman Brielle Hoerdeman said.
Others, like Cyclone fan Joshua Canaday, say they wouldn’t miss it for the world.
“We go to every home game,” he said while snagging a pair of cardinal and gold striped overalls he plans to wear on Saturday. “It’s always special when you have that home-field advantage. We have the greatest fans in college football here."
For businesses in Ames, Cy-Hawk week is just as exciting. Rally House staff say the new Lincoln Way store is buzzing with customers.
“Our sales are going to be huge,” manager Kaylee Miller said.
The location just opened this summer.
“This store has way more product, way more merchandise," Miller said.
Across town, restaurants are bracing for big crowds.
“I’m expecting it to be packed,” said Taiylor Wright, who works at Sweet Carolines in downtown Ames. They’re already staffing up and prepping for game day.
“I think on Saturday we’re going to be busy all day. During, before, after – I think we’re going to be busy all day. We’ll probably quadruple our sales for that day,” employee Kylie King said.
And while fans may be divided, King and Wright say the rivalry is what brings people across the state together. They say regardless of the team colors are wearing, all are welcome on Saturday.
“I feel like it traces back generations. So, people young, old — everyone is always excited for these games," King said.
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